Whenever I'm housesitting in a part of town far from my own, I like to check out the restaurants. Spaghetti Shark is a locally owned spot in south Tempe that opened in June. There's very, very limited seating in the storefront, so it's definitely a takeout-focused business. Pasta is the star here, obviously; you can build your own meal with lots of options for customization, or you can order a larger bundle for a group meal. There is also a limited selection of subs, breads and a Caesar salad. I ordered one of the combo options meant to feed a small group of maybe three or four. My order was ready quickly and the man behind the counter was very friendly. There's lots of cute shark decor inside and outside. The spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs were very good--rich flavor, nicely seasoned. After eating my fill, there's definitely at least two more meals' worth left, so they don't skimp on portions. I also got a piece of their house-made cheesecake with caramel sauce, which was great. The meal came with garlic bread, which wasn't bad, but it lacked something. A little more crunchiness? A little more garlicky goodness? It was fine, especially when dipped in the sauce, but I didn't love it. In this economy, I'm a little baffled by the spaghetti to go trend, as it's really one of the cheapest and fastest things to cook at home. But it's definitely a thing now, and Spaghetti Shark is a great place for it--fast, friendly and tasty, with a cute concept and prices that are comparable to other similar eateries. If you're looking for takeout pasta, especially to feed a family, I recommend it. read more